Restless Breed

Restless Breed is the fourth album on which Riot pushes thick riffs, the interplay of two guitars and powerful vocals to the fore. In place of Guy Speranza, the rougher, more soulful Rhett Forrester joined on vocals. The songs proceed plainly, yet the deft placement of melody and the sharp bite of the rhythm give a rich expression that does not end as mere straight-ahead metal. The momentum of the opener “Hard Lovin’ Man,” the tense “C.I.A.” and the title track “Restless Breed” concentrate the band’s new momentum and strong hooks, while cuts like “When I Was Young” and “Loanshark” vividly convey the powerful new lineup after Forrester’s arrival. Its appeal is powerfully sounding the sturdy appeal of American heavy metal, overcoming the major change of a vocalist swap. Forrester’s somewhat rough yet passionate voice gives the band’s sound new intensity and conviction. Following the early masterpieces, it is a powerful, fulfilling record — Mark Reale’s guitar also in sharp form.